In Spades

Style... in abundance

How to Shop Black Friday Stress-Free

NYFW SS20 OOTD 1 The Vampire's WifeOne of my best Black Friday purchases ever

Every year, the Black Friday deals start earlier and earlier.  Does anyone else think that we’ll get to a point where Black Friday starts on Halloween?  :S

It’s my job to report the sales to you and even I get overwhelmed.  I’ve written several blog posts over the years on how to shop the holiday sale season stress-free.

Here are 3 simple tips to stay on track.  Below I’ve linked the sales I’m personally shopping.  If you like the outfits I share during the year, now is a great time to get them on sale.

Black Friday Shopping Tips
1. Have a plan

I actually have a notebook where I keep my Wish List.  Throughout the year I edit my closet and assess where there are holes.  Anything that’s lacking gets added to the list.

I also include the items I’m coveting.  These are new designers I’ve discovered, investment pieces and special occasion pieces.

Just like you shouldn’t go to the grocery store without a grocery list, you shouldn’t even look at the Black Friday sales until you have your Wish List.

Think of it this way.  You might love Levi’s, but if you don’t need new jeans, don’t fall for the clickbait and check out the Levi’s sale.

STAY ON COURSE.

2. Download retailer apps and set up your profiles

Create free accounts at your favorite retailers and “heart” the items you’re eyeing.  You should ALSO add your most loved brands to your profile.  This will push these brands to the top of your feed so you don’t have to sift through 1500 pairs of sale shoes.

ENABLE PUSH NOTIFICATIONS so you get real-time notices of the exact items you want.

3. Determine your budget

If you have $250 to spend, only spend $250.  Look at your Wish List and determine how you can configure the best bang for your buck.

Too many people just buy, buy, buy and then figure it out later.  You’re much more prone to overspend this way because you won’t want to send back all of the pretty things you bought.

ONCE YOU HIT YOUR BUDGET, STOP.

Black Friday Sales I’m Shopping

Matches Fashion – the majority of my designer pieces are from here and their sale is currently 50% off.

Bloomingdales – I just ordered this coat and I’m obsessed.  Tons of great home items on sale too.

Sundays – I buy all my 10-free nail polish here.

SSENSE – the best curation of edgy and top-rated fashion brands.  Plus two-day free shipping and returns.

Shopbop – the fast, free shipping and massive product selection are key.

Levi’s – the best around when it comes to denim.  And it’s all 40% off.

Sale Deals You Don’t Want to Miss

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that this is the time of year when I do most of my shopping.

I make all of my designer and investment purchases during these end of season sales.

I stock up on all of my beauty supplies: makeup, skincare, hair care and nails.

I buy holiday gifts AND most of my birthday and other special gifts for the year.

With the bevy of sales, it’s easy to get lost in the noise or feel analysis paralysis.  Here are the sales I’m shopping and why I love them.

  1. They are from retailers with ethical supply chains
  2. They have great return policies
  3. The products are high quality – they’ll last forever
Aurate

My go-to for every day, fine jewelry.  Their pieces are solid gold (also offer gold vermeil) without the high mark-up.  The dainty studs I wear on the daily are from here.

Use code STUFFED for 25% off.

Violet Grey

This is my go-to for beauty.  While 90% of my beauty routine is green, clean beauty, there are some products I use that aren’t because their efficacy is SO good.  Violet Grey is my happy balance for carrying every beauty product under the sun.

Take 20% off this week.

Naadam

I’ve written about how amazing Naadam is before.  Their ethical, superior quality cashmere is an absolute must.

Their sale is up to 75% off.

The Big 4

There are 4 designer retailers I shop with the most.  Each has their own specialty.

Moda Operandi for an incredible mix of established and under-the-radar designers.  Go for Ganni, Ulla Johnson, Acler and Johanna Ortiz.

SSENSE for avant garde and off-the-beaten-path pieces.  Go for Moussy Vintage and Golden Goose.

Matches Fashion for the best selection of everything designer.

Net-a-Porter for the best mix of advanced contemporary designers.

The Indie Darlings

W Concept has an insane selection of indie designers, mostly from the Pacific Rim.  Use code BLACK2020 for an extra 30% off.

Garmentory is an aggregated boutique of all the rad stores throughout the country.  The best of the best curation.

Hostess Gifts Under $50

 

And just like that, it’s time for the holidays! I hope you enjoy this Holiday Gift Guide.  Shop by clicking the pics above or using the links below.

Hostess Gifts Under $50

1. Trinket dish – anything bold and shiny is a winner in my book, and this leopard trinket dish delivers on style and versatility.  Who doesn’t need a cute place to store things?

2. Slippers – these are cheeky, cozy and something you always need on hand at home.  Love them!

3. Reusable straws – now that plastic straws are a thing of the past, stylish reusable ones are a must for any iced coffee lover.

4. Reusable food wrap – another eco-friendly option, I love these wraps for the foodie in your life.

5. Phone charging bracelet – function meets style in this gold and leather iPhone charging bracelet.  A great option for a gal always on the go.

6. Stationary – written correspondence is a lost art, but one that I ADORE.  Of course a fabulous hostess needs fabulous stationery.

7. Market tote – while I have an abundance of reusable grocery bags, none of them have pockets for wine bottles or a strong leather handle like this one.

8. Candle – is a candle a cliche gift?  Yes.  But they are for a reason!  You can NEVER have enough candles, especially one that smells like a fresh Christmas tree.

9. Lunch box – are you noticing my eco-friendly theme?  This reminded me of something Kate Spade would have carried.  It’s the cutest!

10. Eye masks – not only are these shooting star eye masks adorable, but they contain retinol, the number one skincare ingredient EVER.  Note: do not gift to pregnant or nursing ladies as retinol can’t be used by either.

11. Storage play mat – for the hostess with kids.  This sweet toy storage container also doubles as a play mat when mom and baby are on the go.

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2018 Holiday Gift Guide Under $100

1. Plaid beret – part fisherman’s hat, part beret, the plaid pattern of this hat is so on trend and classic at the same time.

2. Heart earrings – I’ve never been a hoop girl, so these solid hearts are ultra chic and a great alternative to a classic jewelry staple.

3. Candle – if you’re unfamiliar with Byredo fragrances, get yourself acquainted ASAP.  The Woods smells like a crisp winter afternoon – perfect for the holidays.

4. Sunglasses – give the gift of panache.  I adore the attitude of these sunnies, which also come in black.

5. Alpaca sweater – this retailer is one of my all-time faves because they make super high-quality products at affordable price points.  An oversized alpaca sweater that comes in 6 colors is the perfect winter gift for any lucky lady.

6. Chandelier earrings – I know there are two sets of earrings on this guide, but I couldn’t pass up these rad chandelier sparklers.  Hello New Year’s Eve outfit!

7. Sequined slippers – who wouldn’t want to roll outta bed and put on these beauties?

8. Star robe – I have the striped equivalent to this robe (and wore it during NYFW!).  Cozy, chic and under $100.  Yes, please.

9. Calf hair belt – have you noticed a theme yet?  Every single one of my gift guides has included something leopard.  Take note!

10. Tote bag – 100% of the proceeds of this bag go towards Every Mother Counts, an organization that ensures every woman, everywhere receives access to safe pregnancy and childbirth care.

11. Hair pins – I have an obsession with anything evil eye, so these beautiful hairpins were a total no-brainer.

12. Down scarf – Balenciaga started this puffer trend and I’m all about it.  I just don’t want the Balenciaga price tag.  And neither should you – this baby is under $100.

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2018 Holiday Gift Guide Under $25

1. Potholder – I love a bit of whimsy, especially in the kitchen where I need all the help I can get.  This adorable potholder fits the bill.

2. Tulle socks – I’ve been wanting a pair of these socks forever.  Super fashion forward and gorgeous to look at!

3. Acrylic picture frame – These frames come in multiple sizes and can be hung or placed tabletop.  I love the minimalistic design to highlight your favorite memories.

4. Llama catchall – Pretty and functional, this can hold keys, jewelry or desktop bits and pieces.

5. Mini waffle maker – you haven’t properly brunched until you’ve brunched with mini waffles.  A hit for anyone with kids too.

6. Cosmetic pouch – I’m clearly obsessed with anything animal print this season so this pouch is a must-have.

7. Jade facial roller – I have the rose quartz version of this facial roller and it definitely helps with lymphatic drainage, cooling and soothing, and making my eyes look more vibrant.

8. Leopard gloves – noticing a theme?  Such a statement.  Ring me up.

9. Pat McGrath lipstick trio – the queen of makeup created two trios of her best selling colors for the holidays.  She’ll be perfectly puckered.

10. Vogue coloring book – I have this book.  It’s the perfect combo for the creative in your life.

11. Gold bangle – a staple accessory under $25.  Sold!

12. Beanie – I died over a purple Prada beanie very similar to this one.  The added benefit here is you know The North Face creates outerwear that can truly withstand the elements.

Check out my 2017 Holiday Gift Guide Under $25 for more ideas that are still available!

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